Nasal Tip Contouring Using Lower Lateral Cartilages

Abstract

Nasal tip management is the most important and challenging part of rhinoplasty surgery. For nasal tip management, optimal nasal tip projection and rotation must be maintained. For this reason, several methods have been developed to obtain optimal results. In this article, we share with the rhinoplasty surgeons how we use cartilage grafts for nasal tip projection, nasal tip shaping, and maintaining natural and symmetric appearance and avoid "visible cartilage" problem by using a simple and easily applicable method.

After performing standard open rhinoplasty techniques, we used the cephalic portion of the lower lateral cartilages to overgraft the already placed numerous layers of shield or onlay grafts. All the cartilage grafts are sutured in their place to prevent malpositions or undesired angularities.

We operated on 1480 patients between September of 2002 and September of 2009 for rhinoplasty. Ages of the patients range from 18 to 58 years with nasal tip ptosis. We performed 1235 primary rhinoplasties and 245 secondary rhinoplasties. Of 365 patients, who were followed up regularly, 330 (approximately 90%) were operated on according to this technique and were included in the study.

By using such an overgrafting technique for nasal tip, we obtained satisfactory results both by the patients and by the surgeons. Satisfactory results and being a facilitating method for shaping of nasal tip are the advantages of this technique.